CHICAGO — Demonstrators disrupted a live broadcast of CBS’ “The Late Late Show With Stephen Colbert” on Tuesday evening, vociferously shouting from the balcony of the Auditorium Theatre multiple times during two segments featuring former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi .

Pelosi was present to discuss the Democratic National Convention and also her new book, “The Art of Power.” Several minutes into Colbert’s segment with Pelosi, a protester began shouting from above about the war in Gaza.

Colbert addressed the person and the audience stating, “For the people who can’t tell, there’s a protest going on in the audience.”

The host then promptly switched to a commercial break, mentioning that he had planned to inquire about the protests and concerns related to the Middle East. “The topic is regarding Israel and Palestine, and if you have a seat, we need to go to the commercial break,” Colbert said. “Upon our return, I’ll pose the next question I had on that matter.”

Colbert’s conversation with Pelosi started with a discussion about her role in President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 Presidential race. Pelosi rejected the idea of being called the “architect” of that choice, and initially even claimed she hadn’t contacted Biden at all. The second night of “ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert ” live at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre, immediately following the Democratic National Convention, was unexpectedly interrupted.

Upon their return, Colbert first finished his inquiries about Biden, specifically asking if it was unusual to see a leader relinquish power in such a manner. He then shifted the focus.

“Let’s discuss another aspect of power: The U.S. wielding its power overseas,” he stated, transitioning back to the question raised by the protestors. “As I mentioned earlier, there's a political demonstrator here. There's a political convention in town, you are a politician, and protests are natural. People are protesting, even within the Democratic party, there's disagreement about the appropriate use of American power, especially our protected power abroad, both hard and soft power. If the goal is a peaceful and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians, what role should the United States play?”

Pelosi's response initially centered on President Biden's past and present accomplishments in foreign policy. “Let me emphasize that President Biden has demonstrated a strong understanding of foreign policy throughout his career,” said Pelosi. “His extensive experience as a senator, Vice President, and now President has provided him with a deep understanding of global affairs.”

Pelosi recalled attending John F. Kennedy's inauguration, during which he delivered his now iconic address, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Pelosi pointed out that, “The very next sentence he utters in the speech is, ‘To the countries of the world, ask not what America can do for you, but what we can do working together for the freedom of mankind.’ That is our mission… So yes, we have had a commitment to Israel. It’s been in our security interest to do so. Israel was attacked by a terrorist group. We want the hostages released. But we don’t want children killed in Gaza. And so we have to find a solution. And right now, we just received word earlier today that Israel had agreed to the ceasefire agreement. We’re hoping that Hamas will too. But it brings me to the point of saying to you, war has no place in a civilized society. We must learn more about trust and peace.”

During the concluding portion of this response, an audience member began shouting, echoing her words, “And war has no role in a civilized society,” followed by several other audience members also shouting, to which Colbert responded, “As you can see from the ongoing protest out here, that answer is not satisfactory to some individuals. Would you like to address what they’re saying?”

Colbert then turned to the protester and asked if they would like a response to their question asking if he would “listen” to Pelosi’s response. Switching back to Pelosi, he then directed the question to her, “They have stated that the United States should not have any role in providing Israel arms to kill people of Gaza. That’s what they are saying.”

“Israel has a right to defend itself,” Pelosi said. “But the other side of it is that’s been so critical for all of us for many years is that there must be a two-state solution. You cannot have peace without a two-state solution. Israel, a secure Jewish democratic state in the region. And the Palestinians having their own, secure country there as well. Without a two-state solution, you will not have a resolution of this.”

At this point, the level of shouting escalated, prompting Colbert to instruct the protesters, “Please refrain from interrupting my guest.”

Colbert then concluded the segment. “Madame Speaker, we’re on a live show and we have to move on at this point. Please come back again and we can continue the conversation.”

Pelosi then attempted to shift the focus by ending, “I have to say, isn’t it great to be in Chicago?” The segment went to a commercial break shortly after. There weren’t any further disruptions during the show; according to sources, all protestors left of their own accord, and the situation was handled peacefully.

Hakeem Jeffries, the next guest, was also questioned by Colbert about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Colbert posed a hypothetical question: How would a Speaker Jeffries advise a President Harris?

“President Biden's current actions, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris' efforts within the Biden-Harris administration, are focused on doing everything possible to achieve a ceasefire agreement,” Jefferies stated. “The goal is to bring the hostages home, expedite humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians who are facing danger through no fault of their own, and to find a path towards a just and lasting peace. This includes ensuring the safety and security of Israel and empowering the Palestinian people to experience the dignity and self-determination they deserve.”

After the show concluded, Colbert addressed the audience, expressing his gratitude for their attendance. While thanking them, he didn’t directly mention the protestors. “Thank you for a wonderful evening, it means the world to us that you all came out,” he said. “And I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy performing in this venue in Chicago.”

As the Democratic National Convention has been taking place in Chicago, protests have erupted across the city. One such incident occurred on Tuesday when dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with Chicago police during a protest outside the Israeli Consulate in downtown Chicago.

The Auditorium Theatre, situated in the South Loop district, is several miles from the DNC. However, a considerable number of police officers could be observed stationed outside the theater as attendees exited around 12:40 a.m. CT.

This is day two of Colbert’s Chicago live run, with Monday’s episode wrapping up just after 1 a.m. Central Time.